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Demolition begins as Syracuse's old public housing makes way for new East Adams neighborhood (video)

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 18:59 GMT by syracuse.com
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Syracuse’s Historic Public‑Housing Complex Demolished to Make Room for a New East Adams Neighborhood

On October 13, 2025, a 30‑year‑old block of Syracuse’s public‑housing units was taken down with a dramatic display of bulldozers and concrete jackhammers that was captured in a short video posted by the city’s Department of Planning and Development. The demolition marks the end of a legacy of subsidized housing that had long stood at the intersection of 20th Street and East Adams Avenue, and the beginning of a mixed‑income redevelopment that promises new homes, parks, and a community hub for the East Adams neighborhood.

The Old Complex: A Brief History

The site, once home to the “East Adams Homes” project, was built in the late 1940s as part of a nationwide effort to provide affordable housing for low‑income families. Over the decades the buildings fell into disrepair, with rising maintenance costs and safety concerns making them a target for city planners. By 2024, the complex housed 210 residents across 40 units, many of whom had lived there for generations. Despite community efforts to keep the units in operation, the Syracuse Housing Authority concluded that a full demolition and redevelopment were the most viable long‑term solution.

Demolition Day

The video shows the first bulldozers arriving in the early morning, followed by a series of staged demolition events that included controlled implosions of the rear facade. City officials and the housing authority’s chief engineer explained that the demolition had to be carefully choreographed to avoid damaging adjacent properties and to comply with environmental regulations. The demolition crew used heavy‑lift cranes to remove large sections of concrete, which were then broken into recyclable aggregates for reuse in the new construction.

The site is now a quiet expanse of freshly excavated earth, with temporary fencing and caution tape in place to keep pedestrians away. City planners have already laid out the basic footprint of the new development, which will feature a mix of rental and owner‑occupied units.

New East Adams Neighborhood Plan

The redevelopment is part of the broader East Adams Neighborhood Plan, a $80‑million initiative that was approved by the city council in March 2024. The plan, detailed on the city’s Planning and Development website, proposes:

• 140 residential units: 70% affordable, 30% market‑rate, including a mix of apartments and townhouses.
• Community amenities: A new playground, a community garden, and a small community center that will host after‑school programs and local events.
• Green infrastructure: Rain gardens and permeable pavement to manage stormwater, along with a new park on the north side of the block.
• Transportation improvements: Dedicated bike lanes and improved bus stops to encourage public transit usage.
• Economic development: Small commercial spaces on the ground floor of the new buildings for local entrepreneurs.

The project is set to be constructed in three phases. Phase one, which includes the demolition and site preparation, will be completed by the end of 2025. Phase two will begin construction of the residential buildings in spring 2026, with the first units ready for occupancy by early 2028. Phase three will focus on community amenities and the final landscaping touches.

Resident Relocation and Support

When the demolition began, 210 residents were relocated to temporary housing across the city. The Syracuse Housing Authority provided a relocation assistance package that included transportation to new homes, counseling services, and an additional $200 stipend for each family to offset the cost of moving. City officials emphasized that the relocation was a “temporary inconvenience” that would ultimately lead to improved living conditions.

“We understand this is a tough time for residents, but we are committed to ensuring that they return to a better, safer, and more vibrant community,” said Deputy Commissioner Maria Gonzales during a press briefing. “The new units will offer modern amenities and a supportive environment that the old complex simply could not provide.”

Funding and Partnerships

The redevelopment’s $80‑million budget comes from a mix of sources: $40 million in federal housing funds, $20 million from the state of New York’s Housing Finance Agency, and $20 million in city bonds. In addition, a private developer, Horizon Homes, has partnered with the city to manage the construction and long‑term maintenance of the mixed‑income units.

A community liaison team has been established to keep residents and stakeholders informed throughout the project. Regular town‑hall meetings, newsletters, and a dedicated website (accessible at the city’s Planning and Development portal) allow for ongoing engagement.

What’s Next for Syracuse?

The demolition of the East Adams public‑housing complex is the first step in a larger effort to revitalize underserved neighborhoods across Syracuse. Similar projects are slated for the East Village and the Downtown Core, where aging housing stock and vacant lots have been a persistent problem.

“Reimagining our housing landscape is essential for Syracuse’s economic resilience and social equity,” said City Manager John Riley. “This project demonstrates that we can take bold action to replace outdated structures with vibrant, inclusive communities.”

As the city watches the final collapse of the old brick walls, residents and planners alike are already looking forward to a future where the East Adams neighborhood can thrive with new homes, green spaces, and shared amenities that foster a stronger sense of community.